Customer reviews from Peak Design
Peak Design - Outdoor Backpack 45L - Cloud
Average customer rating
4.3
(272 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 272 reviews
5 Stars
169
4 Stars
57
3 Stars
25
2 Stars
11
1 Star
10
87%of customers recommend this product.
(
199 out of
229)
Customer Reviews for Peak Design - Outdoor Backpack 45L - Cloud
Customer Rating
4
Almost perfect
on January 15, 2025
Posted by: Hunor
from Gent, Belgium
I got this as a Christmas present from my wife. We travel a lot every year and we exclusively take the free carry-on option on planes and this bag is almost perfect in every sense. It's perfectly compliant with every airline's carry-on rules yet offers a lot of flexibility to push rules to the limit. The materials are very good quality, the side pockets are the best I've ever had on any backpack, I love that they are super deep and stretchy. It has loads of features, you actually need time to learn all it's possibilities.
The only things I would improve is something like a quick-access inside pocket. If you want to carry your passports you now either have to rely on the two back pockets (access is a bit too open), or you can use the inside deep sleeve but that's not convenient for quick access.
The only things I would improve is something like a quick-access inside pocket. If you want to carry your passports you now either have to rely on the two back pockets (access is a bit too open), or you can use the inside deep sleeve but that's not convenient for quick access.
The biggest issue however is the quick access rope. It's not bolted to the backpack, so you'd think that's great, easy to replace and extend the life of the bag if needed. But that rope is threaded through a special mechanism inside the bag and there is no zipper access to it. So the easy repairability suddenly becomes the biggest weakness of the bag. The rope is only tethered to the bag by a knot. I can easily see that knot loosening and coming undone at some point, at which point if you pull on the bag to open it the rope will be lost inside the bag and loop out of the mechanism. The only thing you can do is send the bag back for repairs if they will take it. I don't understand this design choice and it gives me anxiety. Maybe I'm not getting something but we wouldn't you allow a zipper access to that rope mechanism to allow repairability. If anything happens to that rope your bag is worse than any other bag on the market. Any seamstress can replace a broken zipper. But that proprietary quick-release rope makes or breaks the whole backpack.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Feature rich and fantastic outdoor camera bag
on January 9, 2025
Posted by: Kat
from Arlington, VA
Overall rating: 4.5
Overall, I've really enjoyed using this bag so far. I received it as part of the Kickstarter and have so far used it for day hikes and at a multi-day tech conference. For day hikes, it easily carried my Fujifilm XT30 in an X-Small camera cube, the travel tripod, a first aid kit, layers, snacks, and a 3 L water reservoir (filled up to 2.5 L). For the tech conference, I could fit both my MacBook Pro 16-inch and an iPad in the sleeve plus accessories and conference swag. For size reference, I'm a 5'8" woman with a slender frame, and it fits great. My 6'4" tall, broader framed husband also got the bag, and it's a bit small on him, though still usable.
Features that I particularly like:
* The bag is lightweight and very collapsible. I could stow it under a plane seat and pack it away in a checked back easily.
* Straps are much more comfortable than any other Peak Design bags. They did have a break-in period for me as they were very stiff in the beginning.
* The clamshell opening makes it so easy to access your things, especially if you are stashing heavier items towards the bottom of the bag
* The pockets on the straps are fantastic for stowing my iPhone Pro 15 Max, though you lose one of them if you put a capture clip on the strap.
* The water bottle sleeves are so stretchy and easy to stash large water bottles. I love how tall they are since they also keep a tripod in place.
* The kangaroo pouch and associated front pockets are also very convenient places for storage.
* The eclipse color is a gorgeous maroon-purplish color. The material wipes clean very nicely; I got a ton of orange/red mud on it from hiking out in Zion and none it remained.
* The bag is lightweight and very collapsible. I could stow it under a plane seat and pack it away in a checked back easily.
* Straps are much more comfortable than any other Peak Design bags. They did have a break-in period for me as they were very stiff in the beginning.
* The clamshell opening makes it so easy to access your things, especially if you are stashing heavier items towards the bottom of the bag
* The pockets on the straps are fantastic for stowing my iPhone Pro 15 Max, though you lose one of them if you put a capture clip on the strap.
* The water bottle sleeves are so stretchy and easy to stash large water bottles. I love how tall they are since they also keep a tripod in place.
* The kangaroo pouch and associated front pockets are also very convenient places for storage.
* The eclipse color is a gorgeous maroon-purplish color. The material wipes clean very nicely; I got a ton of orange/red mud on it from hiking out in Zion and none it remained.
Things I think they could have done better:
* Overall, I think Peak Design was not properly prepared for the official release of the bag. The bag is incredibly feature-rich, and I think more people would have been more satisfied if they had more detailed overviews and instructions. I backed it through Kickstarter and completely understand them not having the videos in place at that point in time, but everything should have been available by the time of the official retail release.
* As others have mentioned, the water reservoir routing is not compatible with all reservoirs. This is understandable since every brand does something different, but I think it would be helpful to have a list of tested reservoirs with maximum compatibility (similar to the screen protector list with their phone cases). Additionally, the reservoir loop not having a buckle is slightly annoying since my Platypus reservoir only has a hole through the top plastic. To use them together, I had to use a small carabiner to attach the reservoir to the loop.
* Overall, I think Peak Design was not properly prepared for the official release of the bag. The bag is incredibly feature-rich, and I think more people would have been more satisfied if they had more detailed overviews and instructions. I backed it through Kickstarter and completely understand them not having the videos in place at that point in time, but everything should have been available by the time of the official retail release.
* As others have mentioned, the water reservoir routing is not compatible with all reservoirs. This is understandable since every brand does something different, but I think it would be helpful to have a list of tested reservoirs with maximum compatibility (similar to the screen protector list with their phone cases). Additionally, the reservoir loop not having a buckle is slightly annoying since my Platypus reservoir only has a hole through the top plastic. To use them together, I had to use a small carabiner to attach the reservoir to the loop.
TLDR:
The bag is not perfect, but it is a really great travel bag and an even better outdoor bag for photographers.
The bag is not perfect, but it is a really great travel bag and an even better outdoor bag for photographers.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Don't let the bad reviews fool you! Excellent Bag!
on January 1, 2025
Posted by: mtnphotog
Extremely well thought out bag with only a couple niggles that could be improved on a version 2 but easily one of my favorite bags of all time. The negative reviews are mainly due to people not understanding how to use the bag or thinking it was something it isn't... PD has published an in-depth video on YouTube going over every feature.
Per usual with Peak Design, they took a novel approach to a lot of things and improved on them. The fit of the bag is great due to the adjustable height harness and running vest style straps. They wrap really well and have the right balance of comfort and breathability. The two sternum straps distribute the weight nicely on your chest. The only issue with them is they are hard to attach with thick gloves on in winter.
The stretch pockets on the sides are great for multiple sized items from water bottles to tripods to jackets. The included straps and loop attachment points all along the bag make it easy to customize the load carrying how you want and you can cinch down the 45L pack into a much more compact size if needed.
I really like the design of the main pocket access from the top because they created a quick way to open and close it without clips. You can also store wet gear and things you want quick access to in the kangaroo pouch created by the outer flap.
There is a really nice assortment of pockets on the outside for organization including a zippered and stretch pocket on the waist straps. The front flap also has two pockets for various items.
Being able to access the main compartment by opening the entire back panel makes it easy to get into all your gear. If you put a camera cube in there, you have full access to it without removing the cube from the bag. I see this bag more for general hiking primarily, so I use PD’s excellent packing cubes in the main compartment. This keeps everything organized and easily accessible.
By loosening the front flap and unrolling the main compartment top part, you can add a decent amount of capacity to this bag as well, pushing it into weekend backpacking territory.
The only thing PD didn’t fully think through was the hose routing for a water bladder if you put it in the back panel’s storage spot. It makes it challenging to fully open the pack from that side if you do use a bladder there and run the hose through the routing to the harness straps. There are ways around this though, so I wouldn’t consider it a dealbreaker at all.
The materials are top notch, per usual with PD and I know they will stand behind this product as they do with all their others.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Very pleased!
on December 28, 2024
Posted by: CyclingG
from Buffalo NY
Got this backpack on Kickstarter, was very happy and trustful of the whole process. Peak Design was a new manufacturer to me and I’m very glad I found them. I haven’t put this bag through all its paces but the quality of materials, versatility, and construction exceeded my expectations. We will see about the durability but their registration and warranty are very reassuring to me. Actually came back to buy some of the packing cubes and pouches and these have been similarly terrific
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
4
Comfortable and stylish
on December 25, 2024
Posted by: Yalin
from Toronto, ON
I love how this backpack makes packing easier without causing shoulder pain. Before this, I owned an Everyday Backpack 20L, and I find the Outdoor Backpack more practical and comfortable even though it has fewer features for organizing gear. Comfort was the most important reason for the switch, and the Outdoor Backpack provides excellent value. The only reason for 4* is I wish they could update the handle on top with something much softer. It feels too thin and sharp when carrying heavy loads. Also, the addition of a luggage strap could complete this backpack. However, they shared an unlisted video on YouTube showing how you can make a luggage strap with the straps provided.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Great backpack
on December 25, 2024
Posted by: stefano
from Italy
I bought one month ago. made easy test on ground and looks very confortable and useful. fantastic idea to be used as outdoor backpack with possibile video/photo/drone shooting trekking.also full of possible option with accessories and complementary parts.Before first use, I strongly suggest watch tutorial and read instructions as many secret not easy to discover first.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
2
A good harness, a black hole, and not much else...
on December 21, 2024
Posted by: Salgado
This pack is big on hype, and unfortunately just doesn't quite live up to it. At its core, it is a pretty simple pack that may meet your needs, but is hardly unique.
I backed this on Kickstarter, but didn't receive it until after returning from a 3-week photo trip I was hoping to use it on. May have been a blessing in disguise as the bag would have severely underperformed against the skiing backpack I ended up going with.
First off, this is not a "lightweight" bag. I think the term ulta-light may have been thrown around in some marketing. The bag weighs just under 4 pounds. The Travel Live 45l is 4.5 pounds. So the Travel Line is also lightweight? Or those 0.5 pounds make all the difference? Gimme a break. The bag is durable and solid, but not feather light.
Also you get a much better harness system than on the Travel Line. But you also lose much of the organization that makes the Travel Line 45l such a great bag. Instead you get gimmicks and useless items. Like the interior pocket in the main compartment of the 45l. Hard to access or obstructed if a fully loaded large camera cube is used. The pockets on the sides of the stash pocket are pretty useless and Rob capacity from the stash if used. Instead you get a bunch of straps and an option to hang on small packing bags, which may be great for some, but not optimal if you're bushwhacking for any distance off wider trails.
The exterior pockets are way better than on the Travel line, and you can actually fit bottles in them. And their travel tripod should also fit with the bottle.
But all in all, the lack of organization forces you into a very minimalists approach to the bag, but the weight is much higher than you'd want if you are going to strip down. I'd return it if I could, as it is, it will see minimal usage or a re-sale listing somewhere. Save you money and look for better options elsewhere.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
3
Nice optics, very bad design decisions
on December 20, 2024
Posted by: Malcolm
from Germany
https://www.peakdesign.com/eu/products/outdoor-backpack?Size=25L&Color=Eclipse
I was excited to back this backpack on Kickstarter, especially in the beautiful Red Eclipse color, and while there are some things I like, I have very mixed feelings about it overall.
Pros:
- Optics: The design is sleek, and the color is stunning.
- Build Quality: Feels solid at first glance.
- Lightweight & Comfortable: It’s easy to carry, and the deep side pockets are great for water bottles, umbrellas, or tripods.
- Optics: The design is sleek, and the color is stunning.
- Build Quality: Feels solid at first glance.
- Lightweight & Comfortable: It’s easy to carry, and the deep side pockets are great for water bottles, umbrellas, or tripods.
Cons:
1. Material Durability: The materials feel plasticky, and the rubber pulley cords scattered across the bag seem prone to wear, especially in varying temperatures.
1. Material Durability: The materials feel plasticky, and the rubber pulley cords scattered across the bag seem prone to wear, especially in varying temperatures.
2. Poor Pocket Design:
- The two small front-side pockets lack dividers, so small items like SD cards or keys fly around loose.
- These pockets are nearly impossible to access when the bag is on the ground (e.g., in a car, plane, or train) and are highly vulnerable to pickpockets when the bag is being worn.
- A secure top pocket for valuables is glaringly absent, which is a huge disappointment.
- The two small front-side pockets lack dividers, so small items like SD cards or keys fly around loose.
- These pockets are nearly impossible to access when the bag is on the ground (e.g., in a car, plane, or train) and are highly vulnerable to pickpockets when the bag is being worn.
- A secure top pocket for valuables is glaringly absent, which is a huge disappointment.
3. Cord Clutter: The abundance of cords creates a messy look and function. The zip cords often tangle with other cords, and the pulley cord to access the main compartment is both impractical and cumbersome. I avoid using it entirely, as the small opening makes it difficult to get to the main compartment. The zippers are a better alternative, but they expose the entire back of the bag, which is also far from ideal.
4. Packing Cube Issues:
- The XS packing cube V2 fits in the bottom, but the orientation of the clips is wrong, and it’s too small for a camera and a spare lens.
- The small packing cube V2 is too big/wide to fit in the bottom of the backpack, despite being advertised otherwise. The bag barely closes with an empty small packing cube, let alone a filled one.
- The XS packing cube V2 fits in the bottom, but the orientation of the clips is wrong, and it’s too small for a camera and a spare lens.
- The small packing cube V2 is too big/wide to fit in the bottom of the backpack, despite being advertised otherwise. The bag barely closes with an empty small packing cube, let alone a filled one.
5. Lack of Interior Functionality:
- While the exterior is covered in loops, the interior has very few. PD pouches can’t be secured and end up flying loose.
- The water divider is too risky for use with camera gear, and as a laptop sleeve, it lacks any padding.
- No small compartment for little stuff (SD cards, coins etc)
- While the exterior is covered in loops, the interior has very few. PD pouches can’t be secured and end up flying loose.
- The water divider is too risky for use with camera gear, and as a laptop sleeve, it lacks any padding.
- No small compartment for little stuff (SD cards, coins etc)
Final Thoughts:
For the price, I expected a well-thought-out product that complements Peak Design’s otherwise excellent gear. Unfortunately, this bag feels rushed and not up to their usual standards. While it’s comfortable and looks great, there are far cheaper options that achieve the same (or better) functionality. I own most of Peak Design’s gear and must say this is their weakest product yet.
For the price, I expected a well-thought-out product that complements Peak Design’s otherwise excellent gear. Unfortunately, this bag feels rushed and not up to their usual standards. While it’s comfortable and looks great, there are far cheaper options that achieve the same (or better) functionality. I own most of Peak Design’s gear and must say this is their weakest product yet.
I wouldn’t recommend this bag unless your priorities are solely optics and comfort. For anyone looking for practical, secure, and camera-friendly design, look elsewhere.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design